Fincastle Mirror

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MIRROR.

"parva sape scintilla magnam, excitavit incendiam."

From humble efforts oft much good proceeds.

'Amongst the great variety of human character, prevailing in this world, though some men may have a "Hobby" peculiarly their own, yet, by a strange concurrence of circumstances, it often happens that many have one exactly similar.-- Where this Hobby is harmless in its tendency, 'tis far from being a defect; for, as its indulgence generally inspires pleasure in its possessor, by a kind of natural sympathy, it often communicates pleasure to others: as we laugh with the joyful and become sorrowful with those that mourn.

My destiny has directed me to a spot, in which scribbling seems to be the prevailing Hobby--one which, when not made the shaft of vindictive malice--the soother of self-delighted dullness, or the vehicle of unmerited praise or reproach---is of all Hobbies, (in my opinion) the most harmless. I am a plain man, more conversant with Men than Books--I have viewed society in its different gradations--I have eaten beneath the humble roof of the Cottager, and feasted at the sumptuous board of fortune's favourite--I have sported in the rural shade, beheld the shining timidity of rustic beauty and the clownish gallantry of the village swain: and have danced in the gay ball-room, where beauty and grace and accomplishment displayed their fascinating charms: ah! the courtly beau, in measured accents spoke out the story of his love--I have (I hope with some discernment) noted the manners and dispositions of those with whom I associated and have thus acquired a habit of scribbling, so inveterate, that under the title of "Scribbler," I shall sometimes present to the public the result of my observations. In order to enlarge the sphere of my enquiries, I have lately associated myself with a club of Gentlemen, who are esteemed men of some learning, whose business it is, to settle the affairs of the nation, and occasionally to regulate the manners of their neighbours. Having no disposition to join in their discussions, I amuse myself, whilst among them, taking notes.

As I find those productions frequently amusing, and I think sometimes, instructive, I will occasionally furnish you with minutes for the benefit of your paper: provided you will observe strict secrecy, as to the source whence you derive them; for it might otherwise forfeit me my station.

As your readers may be averse to the effusions of unknown personages, I will make them acquainted with some of the principal characters of our club. They are Ben Spangle, Wag Weasel, Jack Tattle, Dick Long, and Tom Friendly.

Spangle is a great admirer of the fair, and is generally esteemed a well bred gentleman. If we may believe his own assertions, he has been a standing favourite with the sex upwards of thirty years. But the Wag often accuses him of boasting gallantries and liberties he never enjoyed.

Spangle particularly observes the dresses of the Ladies, their frivolities, and coquetries; on the latter he is sometimes sensitive, which induces the belief that he has often been the subject of them. He inveighs against their fashions, particularly the bonnet and corsette; for the first, completely obscures their physiognomy, and the latter distorts their figure, that one can't tell whether they be fat or lean.

When (says he,) a man dresses himself out in his Sunday clothes, which in many cases is none of the meanest, and rides to town to attend church, expressly for the purpose of looking at the ladies, and exposing himself to their admiration; both objects are defeated, for in looking towards the ladies nothing is perceptible but a mass of frills, surmounted by huge heaps of straw; and the display of his own finery, is as completely obscured from the ladies as if they were hampered in blind bridles.

He has also an aversion to the ordinary amusements that young people frequently engage in: particularly pawn playing, and kissing, and he frequently makes long speeches on those subjects. The Wag thinks he is averse to kissing parties, because the ladies seldom select him on such occasions.

Wag Weasel is a very different character. He cares not for the opinion of persons of any sex--has a sovereign contempt for little great men. The foibles of all, he exposes to ridicule without reserve, or respect to persons. It is sometimes his humor, to advocate sentiments that are foreign to him, merely for the purpose of confounding grave theories, that are promulgated by others. His remarks are sometimes shrewd and ingenious. He is an immense pest, even to his friends: but is at bottom very good natured.

Jack Tattle, is the most confidential fellow in the world: makes nothing public: every thing he tells is in profound secrecy, and he tells secrets to every one; and generally, in turn, becomes their confidant. He visits all the parties in the neighbourhood, and all meetings of every description, and observes, and stores up, all important occurrences for the benefit of the club. From him, I shall be able to furnish you some morsels of rare matter; though his communications are sometimes so wrapt in mystery and innuendo, that it is difficult to unriddle them.

Extracts from Jack's speeches will be given in his own words; though his observations will seldom be quoted, unless it is with a view to put down some crying follies, or indecent customs that have crept in, or may obtrude themselves upon us.

For though in the main, Jack is not ill-natured: yet he knows a great deal, that would give much uneasiness to his neighbours; and its well for them he's a man of secrets.

Dick Long, is grave and sentimental, delivers long speeches on abstruse scientific subjects: sometimes talks on principles of morality, until we all get asleep: Sometimes, distracts our brains with metaphysical dissertations: then pounces down his geological speculations; until we are induced to believe the world dissolving into fragments beneath us. Dick is much looked upon by folks in the country.

Tom Friendly, is a good soul, and is believed by many of the club, to possess more substantial learning than Dick himself. But his acquaintance generally regard him as a boor. This appears to arise, from his philanthropie supposition, that men err, much more frequently thro' ignorance than design. Hence, he is disposed to chide his friends with much good and wholesome advice: and by the way, is apt to recite their frailties and follies; many of which they would wish buried in oblivion. But, notwithstanding all this, his advice is for the most part so good, and will apply so generally, that he will be much quoted for your benefit.

Mine will be the task, to compile, correct, and revise, all important matters emanating from those, and from some other very meritorious gentlemen: many of which productions, will be interspersed with comments and reflections of my own.

I may even sometimes, aspire to give an entire essay, of my own thoughts and opinions.

THE SCRIBBLER.

Communications addressed to the "Scribbler," and left in the Box at the Editor's will be duly attended to.